Kristi Burchfiel

The Essential Jesus, Day 78 Two men, two choices. As we look at day 78 of the Essential Jesus reading plan on YouVersion.com we read Matthew 26:69 – 27:10 and the story of two men and their choices. Peter and Judas. Both men betrayed Jesus. Both men felt deep remorse for what they did. But, only Peter repented. As we see in this story, Judas became consumed in his remorse and guilt but didn’t turn to the one who could save him. Instead, he took his own life. We read later in John about Peter’s restoration and his repentance. We are going to mess up and sin, so the question…

The Essential Jesus, Day 77 Who is Jesus? That is the question that is at the heart of the day 77 reading on the Essential Jesus reading plan on YouVersion.com. Read Matthew 26:57-67. When we are asked, who do we say Jesus is? Who is he to us? When I think about all that Jesus is and does for me, I have such an amazing Savior. I owe him everything. How do I speak about him to others? I do not have to defend Jesus, but I will not deny anything about who he is and what he has done. In this we see the people accusing Jesus, and many…

The Essential Jesus, Day 75 What are we gaining and what are we losing? Read Mark 8:31-9:1. Today is day 75 of the Essential Jesus reading plan on YouVersion.com and we have been learning characteristics of Jesus. Have we ever thought about the fact that when we say yes to something, we are automatically saying no to other things? Are we saying yes to gaining the temporary things of this world? If so, we are also saying no to the eternal. When we think about all that Jesus is and all that he desires to do through us, do we understand that we cannot say yes to both Jesus and…

The Essential Jesus, Day 74 Forgive. Do we forgive others? As we read day 74 of the Essential Jesus reading plan on YouVersion.com we are in Matthew 18:15-35. Focusing on forgiveness, we see the emphasis God places on relationship. We are to help keep things focused on the relationship that glorifies God. We are to see truth and understand the holiness that God is, while balancing that with the amazing forgiveness that God provides us. As we forgive, we become more like Christ. As we show mercy and grace, we value relationships like God does. Are we willing to show grace and mercy to others and to forgive them as…

The Essential Jesus, Day 73 Prayer. As we look at Jesus and prayer, he spends a lot of time teaching and explaining about prayer. Looking at day 73 of The Essential Jesus reading plan on YouVersion.com, we are in John 14:1-14. So often we end our prayers with the phrase, “in Jesus’s name.” What does that even mean to ask? Yes, Jesus tells us to pray in his name and that we will receive, but it’s more than just uttering a name in a prayer. To pray in Jesus’s name means we are using his authority as a way to fulfill his purpose. Jesus is God. As he states earlier,…

The Essential Jesus, Day 72 Together in Christ. As we read day 72 of the Essential Jesus reading plan on YouVersion.com, we read through Mark 3:20-35. Jesus is explaining that a kingdom that is divided against itself can’t stand. It will fall into nothing. Jesus is never against God and they are never divided against the Holy Spirit. If God is never divided, then are we divided against other believers? Do we seek to lift them up, no matter where they are or what their circumstances? Are we reaching out and praying for our Ukrainian and Russian brothers and sisters in Christ, as an example from current events? How can…

The Essential Jesus, Day 71 Jesus is the bread of life. As we look at day 71 of the Essential Jesus reading plan on YouVersion.com, we read Luke 6:25-71. As Jesus continues to speak, he is trying to help them ti understand that he is more than just a source of miracles. Jesus is the bread of life and he is the one that God uses to bridge the gap between our sin and his glory. Are we focused on all that Christ is doing in our life? Do we allow him to fill us and nourish us for all that he has for us to do?

The Essential Jesus, Day 70 The Spirit is willing. As we read Mark 14:32-42 we Jesus wrestling in prayer. Today we are looking at day 70 of the Essential Jesus reading plan on YouVersion.com. As Jesus wrestled in prayer, the disciples slept. How often has there been important work to be done and Jesus is busy working and moving, and we are sleeping? As we consider all that Jesus is doing, we must be willing to wake up. Just wanting to wake up and address the situation isn’t enough. We must actually do it or else we will be like the sleeping disciples in the story. Are we taking action…

The Essential Jesus, Day 69 Jesus prayed for us. As we read John chapter 17 as part of day 69 of the Essential Jesus reading plan on YouVersion.com, we see what is truly the Lord’s Prayer. As Jesus is praying, we see all the areas that Jesus prays for us. He even prays for all of us believers today when he prays for those who will believe based on what others share. We believe in Christ because of what others have shared with us and their message. Who will one day be able to say that they believe in Jesus because of us?